Opening in theaters on October 16th is the new crime drama ‘Clean Hands‘, which was directed by Jake Allyn (‘Ride‘), and is based on a true story.
The film stars Zach Braff (‘Garden State‘), Esther McGregor (‘Babygirl‘), Lucas Till (‘X-Men: First Class‘), Abigail Spencer (‘Cowboys & Aliens‘), and Holt McCallany (‘Shot Caller‘).
Moviefone recently had the pleasure of speaking with Zach Braff and Esther McGregor about their work on ‘Clean Hands’, McGregor’s first reaction to the screenplay and how her research into addiction helped her performance, why Braff wanted to take on a dramatic role and his experience working with McGregor on set.
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Moviefone: To begin with, Esther, what was your first reaction to the screenplay and learning the true story that this film is based on?
Esther McGregor: I was immediately captivated. It was a brilliant script that you walk through. It’s like a movie playing in your head already. Then learning that it was a true story, I was just so eager and ready to do everything I could to get the role. I think it’s a really important story. I think Brooke is a really fascinating human being. I was lucky enough to be able to represent her, and I hope that I did her justice and made her proud.
MF: Zach, this is a much different role that audiences are used to seeing you play. Can you talk about having the opportunity to play a character like this and how you prepared for the role?
Zach Braff: I would love to do more drama. It’s just not something that often gets offered to me. People know me more as a comic actor, and I love it. I was so honored when I read this. I was like, “Are you sure this is for me? This is amazing. Was this email supposed to go to somebody else?” I just thought the script was amazing. I was so honored that Jake wanted me. Then to prepare for it, it was such a unique situation where we got to know the real people. I mean, they were on set, they were around. We could ask them questions about each scene. We could be like, “How did this really happen? What did you say?” I don’t think I’ll ever have an experience like that again. It was so emotional. You’re always worried when you’re doing something like this, “Am I doing it right? Am I telling their story right?” We would quite literally go back to the monitors, and they’d be there crying, and be like, “Yeah, that’s exactly what happened.” So it was a very special experience, and I’m just so honored I got to be a part of it.
MF: Zach, can you talk about Kevin’s relationship with Brooke, what he was willing to do to protect his daughter, and creating that relationship on screen with Esther?
ZB: Well, like so many parents who deal with this, he tries everything. They can’t think of anything that they haven’t tried. They’ve tried everything. In fact, because he’s a cop, he can put her in jail because she had needles that had drugs on them, and she had enough to put her away, and he eventually goes that route. So it’s just so frustrating and heartbreaking for these families. As far as Esther goes, we just clicked. I was lucky enough to see her audition, and I read with her. I just think she’s one of the finest young actresses on the planet, and I think this is a breakout role for her. I mean, she’s been working and people are starting to know her name, but this movie just shows how special she is. We really bonded. I think that’s one of the reasons the movie works, is because of our connection and our chemistry.
MF: Finally, Esther, can you talk about the research you did into addiction, talking with Brooke’s parents, and how that helped inform your performance?
EM: I did research before I even knew that I had the role in terms of that I’ve been very close to addiction for the majority of my life. I’ve seen it in front of me. Then when I got this, I jumped on Zoom calls with women at Brooke’s House. I spoke to her real life drug counselor. I got to see and study the actual chemical reaction to drugs in the brain. I got to see Brooke through the eyes of people that knew her the best, which was the luckiest thing, and made me feel very safe and trust myself to step into representing her. But there was definitely a lot of research to do, and it’s something that I will luckily have with me for the rest of my life.
What is the plot of ‘Clean Hands’?
The inspirational true story of hero drug cop turned recovery advocate Kevin Simmers and his daughter Brooke. The film, which takes place in Hagerstown, MD, examines the American drug crisis from the opposing eyes of cop and addict who were also father and daughter.
Who is in the cast of ‘Clean Hands’?
- Zach Braff as Kevin Simmers
- Esther McGregor as Brooke Simmers
- Holt McCallany as David Trone
- Abigail Spencer as Dana
- Lucas Till as Deputy Dormer
List of Zach Braff Movies and TV Shows:
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